Cherries: Connell backs old mates to complete the job

18 May 2011 07:00

Connell, whose goal at Burton Albion sparked last season's promotion party, is willing his old team-mates to complete a rare back-to-back triumph.

The Grimsby Town striker was in attendance for the first leg against the Terriers and will be keeping a close eye on proceedings at the Galpharm Stadium tonight (7.45pm) as Cherries bid to reach Old Trafford.

Speaking ahead of the 1-1 draw at Dean Court, Connell told the Echo: From talking to the boys, they have said there hasn't been much of a difference between League Two and League One and I think they have taken it in their stride really well.

Confidence is a massive part of football and there is nothing to give you more of a confidence boost than promotion.

The club, both off the field and on the field, has thrived in the past two years. It has been like a snowball effect that gathered pace and it is going to be hard to stop. Huddersfield are going to have a massive job to stop that.

He added: Bournemouth is a great club and I have made a lot of friends here over the years. That won't change just because I am at a different club.

When you look at the size of the clubs that finished below Bournemouth this season, I think it is a massive achievement to finish in the top six.

Connell, who has enjoyed two spells at Dean Court, was hoping to extend his stay with Cherries last summer but was not retained and joined Grimsby.

The 28-year-old went on to score an impressive 25 goals in the Blue Square Premier.

Connell says he has no regrets. He added: Every game I played for Bournemouth, I gave absolutely everything. It finished a bit prematurely but that was Eddie's (Howe, then-manager) decision. I just tried to get on with it and do well for myself.